Spurrier sees offensive improvement

COLUMBIA, S.C. - There were some bad snaps, a few poor throws and several errors that had South Carolina coaches screaming.

Still, head coach Steve Spurrier found hope in his team's offensive performance in a Sunday scrimmage.

Things didn't start so well at Williams-Brice Stadium with South Carolina's offense struggling to move the ball and show any progress at improving an attack that ranked last in Southeastern Conference rushing.

But the Gamecocks discovered their rhythm as the session went on, scoring touchdowns on their final five full possessions.

"It was somewhat encouraging," Spurrier said.

Starting quarterback Stephen Garcia completed 8 of 16 for 110 yards with an interception and a 2-yard TD pass to tight end Mike Triglia. Backup Reid McCollum went 7 of 11 for 166 yards, an interception and a pair of touchdown passes to Tori Gurley and Alshon Jeffery.

The best news of all may have come out of South Carolina's running game where freshmen Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles, along with 5-foot-6 track and field athlete Bryce Sherman brought some pop to an area that was troubling in 2008.

Miles finished with 98 yards on 16 carries, including two 5-yard touchdown runs. Giles managed 39 yards and a touchdown, while Sherman gained 59 yards and scored once.